The use of natural methods to combat hair loss is becoming increasingly popular.
And saw palmetto is dominating the marketplace.
Countless people who are suffering from hair loss want to find out what treatments are successful and which ones are not.
Every product promises remarkable results. But, very few live up to the user’s expectations.
Saw palmetto is different.
This natural product has been extensively studied and has numerous applications.
By looking at evidence derived from scientific research, you can come to a more knowledgeable conclusion.
This is what saw palmetto can do to help with hair loss, as well as the other potential advantages it offers.
What Is Saw Palmetto?
The extract and medicinal properties of Serenoa repens fruit are well known, and this extract is known as Saw Palmetto. This is a small palm with peculiar fan-shaped leaves. This plant originates from the southeastern part of the U.S. as well as in Florida.
So, what is saw palmetto good for? A saw palmetto supplement is a viable choice to reduce prostate symptoms because of the antiandrogenic components it carries.
A saw palmetto extract mainly comprises fatty acids. It also has polysaccharides, vitamin E derivatives, and more. The exact proportions of ingredients in the mixture will differ among different products.
Quick Facts About Saw Palmetto
- Type of product: hair loss supplements (available for topical or oral use).
- Benefits of saw palmetto for hair loss: raises total hair count and improves hair quality and hair density.
- Dosage amounts: Depends on the product. The average saw palmetto dose varies from 200–320 milligrams daily. You can use topical products two times a week. Talk to a healthcare provider to get the right dose.
- Best for: Men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and hair loss. It’s safe for women who are not breastfeeding or pregnant.
- Compatible with: pumpkin seed oil.
- Interactions: blood thinners, birth control pills, and other herbal supplements that affect blood clotting.
How Does Saw Palmetto Work for Hair Loss?
Hair loss is not caused by changes in testosterone but rather by the sensitivity of the hair follicles.
Genetics are frequently a major factor in hair loss for both men and women. If your hair follicles have incredibly sensitive receptors, even small quantities of DHT may be enough to activate them.
The DHT hormone is linked to hair loss. So, you may be easily prone to losing hair. The already difficult situation is made even worse by stress, anxiety, age, and other factors. What are the possible benefits of taking saw palmetto as a hair regrowth supplement?
Saw palmetto might support the body in fighting inflammation, potentially helping to address some causes of hair loss.
When particular enzymes act in the ovaries of women and in the prostate and testes of men to change testosterone, the body forms a masculine sex hormone called DHT.
A saw palmetto DHT blocker can block 5-alpha-reductase. This is an enzyme that has the power to change testosterone into DHT, which can help reduce hair loss.
The Different Forms of Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto comes in several different forms. It is obtainable in many forms as a health supplement and is found in the form of lotions and shampoos.
If you look up “saw palmetto” on the internet, you’ll find dietary supplements that list this product as an ingredient.
These products are often used as remedies to enhance prostate health, boost testosterone levels, or improve urinary flow and control.
They are available in capsule form, typically containing an extraction of saw palmetto, either by itself or alongside other herbs, vitamins, or minerals in differing amounts.
Saw palmetto is also available as a liquid extract. This product is designed to be taken orally, usually in combination with water, similar to saw palmetto capsules.
When talking about saw palmetto in regard to thinning hair, this naturally derived substance is frequently incorporated into conditioners, shampoos, and other hair maintenance goods intended to upgrade hair healthiness and avert balding.
We have incorporated saw palmetto into our Thick Fix Thickening Shampoo in order for it to diminish scalp buildup and improve vitality and hydration.
Saw palmetto is included in certain creams, ointments, and other external products that are intended to increase well-being for men.
Saw Palmetto For Hair Loss
Studies have provided mixed results regarding the usage of saw palmetto to address hair loss, however, some studies have suggested that it may be beneficial for men dealing with male pattern baldness.
It is essential to get a brief overview of why male-pattern baldness happens and how saw palmetto can potentially treat it.
It is generally thought to be untrue, but there is no proof that male pattern baldness, the most frequent trigger of balding in males, is a result of excessive use of hair product or overly tight hats.
Experts have come to the conclusion that male pattern baldness is caused by a mix of genetic traits as well as the impacts of an androgen known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
A consequence of testosterone, the main sexual hormone in the body, is the manufacturing of DHT. During childhood and teenage years, DHT is essential for forming the male secondary sex characteristics, like facial hair and body hair.
As you age, DHT can attach itself to receptors on the scalp, which will then lead to the hair follicles ceasing to create more hair.
This procedure usually starts near the forehead, bringing on the notorious receding hairline common to plenty of men in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. This is commonly called androgenetic alopecia, or the baldness men experience.
We discussed the impact that this process has on your hair more in depth in our guide, which discusses DHT and how it relates to baldness in men.
Curiously, DHT can bring about undesirable reactions in the body. For instance, when you are grown up, DHT is the main hormone that makes your prostate gland become bigger.
At present, the most successful remedies for baldness, for instance finasteride, work by avoiding the conversion of testosterone into DHT by the human body.
Finasteride works by hindering the activity of 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme responsible for transforming testosterone into DHT.
Scientists speculate that saw palmetto could impede the influence of 5-alpha-reductase, thus preventing testosterone from being changed into DHT inside the body.
Saw Palmetto Dosage for Hair Loss
There have been no trials conducted to determine the best dosage of saw palmetto to treat hair loss, as it is a natural supplement and ingredient in hair care products, not a medication.
One research involving saw palmetto for hair loss asked males to consume 320mg per day orally.
The majority of saw palmetto supplements you can get without a prescription generally contain a set quantity of saw palmetto per portion, which is normally provided through either a single or double capsule.
Be sure to read the label on the saw palmetto packaging to discover the suggested amount of intake. It is advised to consult your healthcare provider prior to utilizing any hair care product or supplementation that possesses saw palmetto as a fundamental component.
Health Benefits of Saw Palmetto
Are there any other purposes for saw palmetto other than as a treatment for thinning hair? Saw palmetto vitamins have a wide range of uses. Predominantly among older men.
By taking a saw palmetto extract, it may help alleviate urinary inconveniences such as difficulty in urination and loss of bladder control.
This product is a great option for those dealing with BPH. Its anti-inflammatory properties can reduce swelling and its antioxidants can bolster overall health.
One can naturally raise testosterone levels with the use of saw palmetto. Increasing your level of testosterone can lead to a better disposition, increased libido, and improved mental acuity.
It is common for people to take saw palmetto as a dietary supplement because it is advertised to help cure a number of sicknesses in a natural way.
It is believed that the use of saw palmetto may help in relieving the signs of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Studies are inconclusive overall, yet some have suggested that saw palmetto may be efficient at decreasing certain signs and symptoms of BPH including weakened urination, post-micturition dribble (dribbling after peeing), urinary retention, among others.
A study published in American Family Physician stated that saw palmetto was just as effective as finasteride in treating the signs of BPH.
Nonetheless, saw palmetto should not be utilized as a substitute for finasteride or any other drugs that are employed for treating BPH. If you have been diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), you should not substitute your current drug with saw palmetto.
Advocates of saw palmetto also state that it could increase fertility and lower inflammation in particular cell types. At present, there is a lack of significant research or other empirical evidence that would back up these assertions.
Saw Palmetto Side Effects
Saw palmetto is generally safe. Nevertheless, as is the case with other health supplements, it is possible that it may lead to some unwanted side effects.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health has reported that headaches or digestive issues may be side effects of taking saw palmetto.
Currently, most of the studies on possible adverse reactions to saw palmetto come from research examining its effects on men who have benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Saw palmetto is generally safe for most men to take, but there is a possibility that it may have an unfavorable interaction with other drugs or vitamins.
It is not recommended to take the oral forms of saw palmetto and finasteride together because both of them have the same impact on dihydrotestosterone.
Saw palmetto may also interact with other medications, including:
- Blood thinner medications, such as warfarin (sold under the brand name Coumadin®), clopidogrel (Plavix®) and aspirin.
- Oral contraceptives, such as the birth control pill.
You should consult with your doctor before taking saw palmetto if you are taking any other medications.
Maybe the greatest worry when taking saw palmetto or some other medicine that decreases levels of 5-alpha reductase is that it may hinder the detection of prostate cancer.
Due to the fact that these substances can alleviate the indications of prostate increase, a tumorous prostate might be undetected.
Getting checked for prostate cancer on a regular basis is vital, especially if you’re more likely to be affected by it. Ensure that you abide by your healthcare professional’s guidelines and get routinely screened if necessary.
How Long Does It Take for Saw Palmetto to Work for Hair Loss?
It is not true that Saw Palmetto will restore your thick and luxurious hair. But, it does have its uses.
A search of a 2015 database indicates that it is possible to possibly observe an increase in the number of hairs after 12-14 weeks of taking saw palmetto.
In order for it to be effective long-term, it is essential to take a strong dose of saw palmetto consistently for at least a month.
The results of utilizing saw palmetto for hair regrowth will differ depending on the individual. Altogether, taking saw palmetto as a supplement for hair loss can be beneficial.
How to Use Saw Palmetto for Hair Loss
It is possible to take saw palmetto in either liquid or capsule form. Some hair care items contain numerous useful components that assist in preventing hair fall. Most producers mix it with ingredients known to promote healthy hair growth, like pumpkin seed oil.
When guys take hair loss supplements, they can experience more positive results than with topical solutions. It is primarily due to consuming all the positive qualities. However, capsules can interact with medicine. So, talk to a specialist first.
If you supplement your healthy, balanced diet with saw palmetto oil or capsules, you will ensure your body receives sufficient minerals and vitamins. Eating certain foods can have an effect on the condition of your hair.
If you are deficient in zinc, vitamins B, E, A, D, C, iron, protein, and so on, you may find that your hair is thinning and growth is slower than normal.
A shampoo with saw palmetto can help. People are trying to put saw palmetto powder in their shampoo to have better results against hair loss. Allow the solution to sit on your scalp for 5 minutes and then thoroughly wash it off.
How Much Saw Palmetto Should I Take?
Many review articles use different dosages. They can vary from 200 mg to 320 mg. In males with male pattern baldness, a dosage of 320 mg each day is commonly administered. It is suggested that one consult a professional before determining the amount of saw palmetto to utilize for hair loss.
Can I Rub Saw Palmetto on My Scalp?
Yes. It is possible to apply saw palmetto powder to the hair and scalp. But, you should ensure that your hair is adequately hydrated following your powder application. Choose a shampoo that will help keep your hair hydrated and strong.
What Is the Best Time of Day to Take Saw Palmetto?
To get the greatest benefit from the product you are using, it is recommended to consume the supplement in the morning. Some experts advise those with digestive issues to consume it with a meal.
Conclusion
It is possible that saw palmetto might be useful in managing hair loss and raising the number of hairs. Despite not being as successful as finasteride, this natural product has little to no chance of resulting in side effects. It is highly recommended that you consult an expert before including it in your diet or haircare regimen.
